The Federation of Equatoria Community Association in Australia (FECAA) is the peak national body representing the Equatoria Community (commonly known as Equatorians) in Australia. The Equatorians compose of 36 different ethics tribes, out of 64 tribes, in South Sudan. All these 36 tribes are from linguistically diverse backgrounds but see themselves as one under the Equatoria banner.
It was founded in 2016, by the State and Territory Equatoria Community leaders across Australia in response to the rising issues and challenges facing the South Sudanese Equatoria Community in Australia.
FECAA aims to build a strong, inclusive, collaborative, leadership and partnership through grass-root community led solutions that increase the involvement and participation of community members in development, education and the workforce.
The leaders decided that uniting these communities under one umbrella was the best way forward to address the many challenges facing the community and in so doing help the community members address these challenges and better integrate into the Australian culture while maintaining their own identity.
FECAA was incorporated in 2017. In April 2019 FECAA was registered as a Charity with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profit Commission (ACNC).
Objectives
• To promote the unity of all Equatorians in Australia and overseas (globally).
• To promote our culture and activities within the community.
• To build relationships and partnerships with stakeholders to strengthen the relationships at local (States and Territories) and national levels.
• To develop partnerships with potential investors, business, government and non-governmental organizations in order to provide needed services in Australia and overseas.
• To provide platform for efficient communication for all Equatoria communities at all levels.
• To lobby and mobilize resources at Federal level to pursue its mission.
• To advocate for Equatoria communities in Australia.
• To provide grass root leadership through capacity building.
• To promote peace and harmony among all south Sudanese communities in Australia.
FECAA is currently achieving its objectives through:
● Organising Annual Conference Program
● FECAA Radio Channel
● Partnership with established organisation and Government bodies
Annual Conference Program
The annual conference acts as a gathering platform for all members of the community to gather in one place, share key issues and challenges facing their communities and promoting positive partnership between FECAA and its stakeholders.
The conference also acts as an opportunity for business, local, state, territories and Federal government to join us in supporting our community to integrate into the wider community.
FECAA Radio Channel
FECAA radio was designed as a platform to unite and educate its members.
FECAA Radio intends to:
Provide a platform where information about services and employment opportunities can be delivered and/or broadcast in a language that the people understand.
Broadcast news (especially about current situation in South Sudan and specific news directed to the community here about integration) and educational information.
Broadcast content that is popular and relevant to the community but is often overlooked by commercial or mass-media broadcasters. For example, playing local South Sudanese music that the community enjoys, music that is not played by commercial or mass-media broadcasters. It is proven that listening to music dramatically helps improve people's mental well-being and boost physical health.
Support young talented South Sudanese artists, musicians, and supporting cultural activities and events within the community, as a way of reducing youth disengagement and promoting engagement within the youth. Young people who feel engaged and who are provided with opportunities to participate, experience a better quality of life and contribute to creating and building better communities. In the long term, because they are valued and feel connected, will have better health and mental health as adults.
The radio channel provides content not only based in Australia, but on a global scale through a mobile Application and an online presence.
Partnerships
FECAA, in partnership with other organizations and/bodies intends to provide several programs including:
• Education and Settlement services within Australia
• Youth, families, disability and age care services
• Relief services for South Sudanese refugees in refugee camps and those displaced within South Sudan
